Observed Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity

There is strong scientific evidence that climate change is already impacting plant and animal populations, and model projections indicate that the current trends are likely to continue over the coming century. In this module, students will review the observed effects of climate change on biodiversity, explore the communication and interpretation of climate change science, and learn about Earth’s climate system, including how the atmospheric chemical composition is changing, impacts of climate change that have already been observed, and projections of possible future scenarios.

learn

Synthesis: Observed Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity

Author: R.G. Pearson

There is strong scientific evidence that climate change is already impacting plant and animal populations, and model projections indicate that the current trends are likely to continue over the coming century. This synthesis reviews the observed effects of climate change on biodiversity, drawing on key finding from the primary scientific literature. Case studies covering a broad taxonomic and geographical range have been selected to provide examples of recent studies on these impacts including poleward and upslope shifts in distribution, changes in disease risk, phonological responses, coral bleaching, and community-level impacts.

explore

The vast boreal forest just south of the Arctic Circle is a key region for studying climate change--both impacts of it and contributions to it. Trees and permafrost are vast reservoirs of carbon. Watch ecologists conduct experiments in Alaska's forest that aim to unravel the complex feedbacks among plants, permafrost, and climate so scientists can better predict the future of our warming planet.

practice

Exercise: Observed Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity

5 files

Author: K.M. Hanson, R.G. Pearson

In this exercise, students explore the communication and interpretation of climate change science
by participating in interviews as one of two defined roles: climate scientist or journalist. In these roles,
students will analyze and interpret scientific findings published in the primary scientific literature, and
will then practice communicating science in written and oral forms.